Dan, your assumptions are correct on all counts For any given
transpar ent material ther is a set of angle to be used when cutting
the pavilion that should be closely adhered to That’s a general rule,
but not absolute Consider it correct for most ofthe goods you are
likely o see, especially commercially cut goods Too low an angle at
the culet will result in a “window” or “fisheye”, where light leaks
out at the bottom, allowing the viewer to see right through the stone
(you can read fine print through the table) Also, too steep an angle
results in an overly deep stone In either case, one does not get
their money’s worth In the case of the shallow stone with window, if
it is properly recut, the diameter must decrease and the weight will
also decrease In the case of the overly dep stone, the depth will
decrease and the weight will still decrease Knowledgeable buyers know
the value of different goods, and we assume proper cutting Poorly cut
stones should be discounted a lot Native cutters are paid according
to the total finished weight they produceGenerally inexpensive goods,
or at least they appear to be The cost of recutting the goods to
proper proportions, so the true beauty is displayed is NOT
inexpensive, because one must pay a skilled cutter and eat the weight
loss as well Good quality and good cut deserve their place at the top
of the list, and there are few bargains there Why should there be?
Excellence is reflected in the cost, just like in automobiles and
everything else Surprising how few jewelrs understand this and even
fewer can demonstarte it to their customers
Wayne Emery